The Importance of Regular Oil Changes

There are few things as fundamental to basic vehicle care as having your oil changed regularly. Many of us know of someone that let their engine oil dip to dangerously low levels, which resulted in serious, and expensive, engine damage. Fortunately, catastrophes like these, caused by the lack of regular oil changes, are preventable.

It wasn’t that long ago that it was regular practice to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles for which your vehicle was driven. With today’s newer engines and synthetic motor oil, many mechanics recommend that the interval between oil changes be increased to 5,000 miles of driving. Talk with your Taylor & Sons Chevrolet Service Advisor and get their expert advice on how often your vehicle needs to have its oil changed.

Five Reasons to Have Your Oil Changed Regularly

1. It maintains engine lubrication. There are many moving parts in a vehicle’s engine, many of these operating under extremely hot temperatures. Proper lubrication ensures these components keep moving and don’t lock up because they’ve dried up.

2. Keeps engine components cool. As cars accelerate and reach maximum cruising speeds there is a tremendous amount of friction and heat created. The right amount of clean oil will keep engine components running coolly and efficiently.

3. Removes particles and sludge. As time goes on, small particles of dirt will work their way into an engine. Older engine oil can also accumulate and turn into “sludge.” Having regular oil changes, and changing the oil filter, eliminates these potentially damaging particles and the sludge that accumulates.

4. Improves gas mileage. Having a clean engine and efficiently working components will increase gas mileage. At a 1-2% per year increase in efficiency, that adds up to the cost of about a full tank of gasoline annually for a vehicle. This will help defer the cost of your annual oil changes.

5. Leads to longer life for your vehicle. Just as keeping your tires properly inflated leads to proper normal wear and tear; a vehicle with regular oil changes is going to have an engine that runs better and will run longer. The single most expensive component of your vehicle is its engine; be sure to take proper care of it and it will serve you well for many years.

Make sure you’re using the manufacturers recommended oil type and viscosity, as well as keeping it at the proper levels. Regular oil changes will run you about $120 per year, versus spending $4,000 or more on a new engine. It’s an inexpensive investment in your vehicle that’s well worth making.

Taylor & Sons has experienced technicians that know about your type of vehicle, what type of oil it needs and how often it needs to be changed. We’ll also give your vehicle a complete safety check when we change your oil.

Don’t trust your transportation to discount oil change shops that want to get you in and out in 10 minutes or less. Rushing important maintenance of your vehicle is a big mistake that can cost you big dollars.

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